First Class Post - because this post is first class!
Sunday 31 March 2013
Thursday 28 March 2013
2013 YA UK Debut Interview: Monument 14 by Emmy Laybourne
We all like supporting YA and New Adult debut authors, but this year, rather than just read their books, I'll be highlighting them on my blog too, so you can hear about these wonderful authors.
Today I'm interviewing YA author Emmy Laybourne whose debut YA novel, Monument 14, is being published by Hachette Children's Books in the UK on 4th April. Read on for more:
Monument 14 by Emmy Laybourne - Fourteen kids. One superstore. A million things that go wrong ...
Fourteen kids stranded inside a superstore. Inside they have everything they could ever need. There's junk food and clothes, computer games and books, drugs and alcohol ... and without adult supervision they can do whatever they want.
Sounds like fun?
But outside the world is being ripped apart by violent storms and chemicals leaking into the atmosphere that, depending on blood type, leave victims paranoid, violent or dead.
The kids must remain inside, forced to create their own community, unsure if they'll ever be able to leave. Can they stop the world they've created inside from self-destructing too? from Goodreads.
Continue reading 2013 YA UK Debut Interview: Monument 14 by Emmy Laybourne
Today I'm interviewing YA author Emmy Laybourne whose debut YA novel, Monument 14, is being published by Hachette Children's Books in the UK on 4th April. Read on for more:
Monument 14 by Emmy Laybourne - Fourteen kids. One superstore. A million things that go wrong ...Fourteen kids stranded inside a superstore. Inside they have everything they could ever need. There's junk food and clothes, computer games and books, drugs and alcohol ... and without adult supervision they can do whatever they want.
Sounds like fun?
But outside the world is being ripped apart by violent storms and chemicals leaking into the atmosphere that, depending on blood type, leave victims paranoid, violent or dead.
The kids must remain inside, forced to create their own community, unsure if they'll ever be able to leave. Can they stop the world they've created inside from self-destructing too? from Goodreads.
Wednesday 27 March 2013
Review: Anthem for Jackson Dawes by Celia Bryce (#Ad)
Anthem for Jackson Dawes by Celia BryceI was sent this proof for free by Bloomsbury Children's Books for the purposes of providing an honest review.
Megan Bright and Jackson Dawes are two teenagers who first meet each other on the hospital ward where they are both being treated for cancer. Megan is scared and worried about her illness, but Jackson seems to be an old hand, having been on the ward for ages. And everybody loves Jackson! He is a whirlwind of life and energy, warmth and sparkle. Megan will need to borrow some of Jackson's extraordinary optimism to face her and Jackson's future. A moving story of first love and a remarkably powerful debut novel. From Amazon UK
Tuesday 26 March 2013
Once Upon a Bookcase Media Partner of LBF Children's Innovation Theatre
I am proud to say that Once Upon a Bookcase is the London Book Fair 2013's Media Partner for the Children's Innovation Theatre, as well as a speaker at a panel event. Please read on for more information.The London Book Fair launches the Children’s Innovation Theatre
Programme to showcase the new and inspiring work in children’s publishing
The London Book Fair, in association with Once Upon a Bookcase, is proud to announce the re-launch of the Children’s Innovation Theatre. The events programme situated in the heart of the Children’s Zone will explore the most innovative and impressive developments that have helped the sector to flourish.
The Children’s Innovation Theatre will showcase new media and online community projects, publishers reinventing traditional tools to engage a new generation of readers, and those finding new ways of promoting literacy.
The 30 minute, free-to-attend sessions is intended to be a platform to showcase individual successes and achievements and to give tomorrow’s leaders in children’s publishing a voice. Sessions include:
Monday 25 March 2013
Weekly Gossip
Here is your bookish news from the past week:
The cover for The Boy with 2 Heads by Andy Mulligan has been released, and it's another cover by Richard Collingridge!
Continue reading Weekly Gossip
The cover for The Boy with 2 Heads by Andy Mulligan has been released, and it's another cover by Richard Collingridge!
Sunday 24 March 2013
Winners
I have some competition winners to announce! Sorry this is a little late!
Thanks to everyone who entered my Department 19 Series by Will Hill giveaway and my The Trouble with Fate by Leigh Evans giveaway. Randomizer.org has done it's thing, and here are the winners:
The winner of the Department 19 Series by Will Hill is:
Jess W1
The winners of The Trouble with Fate by Leigh Evans are:
Dasanti D
Samina
Congratulations! The winners have been contact, and their details passed on to my contacts who will send out the prizes. Happy reading!
Continue reading Winners
Thanks to everyone who entered my Department 19 Series by Will Hill giveaway and my The Trouble with Fate by Leigh Evans giveaway. Randomizer.org has done it's thing, and here are the winners:
The winner of the Department 19 Series by Will Hill is:
Jess W1
The winners of The Trouble with Fate by Leigh Evans are:
Dasanti D
Samina
Congratulations! The winners have been contact, and their details passed on to my contacts who will send out the prizes. Happy reading!
Thursday 21 March 2013
Winners: Geek Girl by Holly Smale
The giveaway for three copies of Geek Girl by Holly Smale has now closed! Thank you to everyone who entered. Randomizer.org has done it's thing, and the winners are:Samina M
and Polly M!
Congratulations! The winners have been contacted and their details passed on to my contact, who will post their prize shortly! Happy reading!
Tuesday 19 March 2013
A Novel Cover Up: Richard Collingridge on Keras by Simon Rae
A Novel Cover Up is a semi-regular feature that looks at how covers are made. I have been fortunate enough to interview author and Book Cover Illustrator, Richard Collingridge about how he designed the cover for Keras by Simon Rae - and talks about a few other covers he's designed, too! All images in this post are copyrighted to Richard Collingridge and used with permission. They can be clicked to enlarge.
Can you tell us about the cover for Keras? What do you hope it tells readers about the story?I always try and narrate a point in the story with my cover designs.
Sometimes I'll use the title font (101) as the point of interest for the image (an example being the hardcover of 'Trash' by Andy Mulligan) and the illustration will just be a decoration around that. Other times I'll use the characters as the point of interest and mainly rely on the feeling created by the lighting, composition and artwork style.
Monday 18 March 2013
Cover Reveal: Made of Stars by Kelley York
I am honoured to be taking part in the cover reveal for Made of Stars by Kelley York.
Continue reading Cover Reveal: Made of Stars by Kelley York
The Night Creatures Series by Marianne de Pierres Progress
On 1st March, I posted a cover reveal for the Night Creatures series by Marianne de Pierres, showing the covers that will be used when she self-publishes the series internationally. Since then, there has been some changes. The original covers for the books, designed by Jack Kubicki, that were used for the versions published by Random House Australia, are now going to be used instead, with some slight changes to font made by Kubicki.
Marianne and Jarek Kubicki have come to an agreement to share these amazing covers with the world.
And here are those covers:
Click the image to see it bigger.
Continue reading The Night Creatures Series by Marianne de Pierres Progress
And here are those covers:
Weekly Gossip
Here is your bookish news from the past week.
First up, cover reveals. Simon and Schuster Children's Books have released the UK covers for Abbi Gline's Sea Breeze series - Because of Low, While it Lasts and Just for Now!
Continue reading Weekly Gossip
First up, cover reveals. Simon and Schuster Children's Books have released the UK covers for Abbi Gline's Sea Breeze series - Because of Low, While it Lasts and Just for Now!
Sunday 17 March 2013
Thursday 14 March 2013
Review: The Vincent Boys by Abbi Glines
The Vincent Boys by Abbi Glines (review copy) - Beau Vincent is rude, bad, and dangerous to know. So why can't good girl Ashton Gray keep away from him? She already has the perfect boyfriend - her town's local Prince Charming, Sawyer Vincent. But Sawyer is away for the summer, and in the meantime Ashton is bored, and the heat between her and Beau is undeniable - as well as irresistible. Ashton is about to unleash her bad girl - but what will she do when Sawyer comes home? And how will Sawyer react when he returns to find his girlfriend in the arms of his best friend - and cousin? THE VINCENT BOYS is a sexy, exciting and enjoyable romp through one steamy Alabama summer. From Amazon UKTuesday 12 March 2013
Huge Blog News and Request For Help!
So I have some news. Those of you who follow me on Twitter and are friends with me on Facebook may know this already, put please read on, because I need some help! Thanks.
Last Wednesday I was contacted and asked to take part in a panel event for the London Book Fair. And I've said yes! This is huge. For my CV. For the blog. For me. Because I am absolutely terrified! Public speaking and me are really not the best of friends. But I have decided to attempt at braveness and bite the bullet, take the bull by the horns, and dive right in. I just hope I don't sink! It really is such a big deal that I have accepted to do this, and sometimes I am just in shock at my courage (who is this girl who is saying yes to scary things? I don't recognise her!), and other times I feel extremely sick. We'll see how it goes. Though it is great to hear that Once Upon a Book case "is very highly respected in the industry". Whoop!
It's going to be massive for my blog because of all the exposure. Not just because I'll be on the panel, but because my blog will be mentioned in the London Book Fair's literature and so on, and my blog will be heard - or read - about by so many people! This is exciting!
But I need some help. Being on a panel means talking. There will be at least three other people with me, so I won't do all the talking, but I will be required to speak, obviously. I want to make sure I have something to say.
Continue reading Huge Blog News and Request For Help!
Last Wednesday I was contacted and asked to take part in a panel event for the London Book Fair. And I've said yes! This is huge. For my CV. For the blog. For me. Because I am absolutely terrified! Public speaking and me are really not the best of friends. But I have decided to attempt at braveness and bite the bullet, take the bull by the horns, and dive right in. I just hope I don't sink! It really is such a big deal that I have accepted to do this, and sometimes I am just in shock at my courage (who is this girl who is saying yes to scary things? I don't recognise her!), and other times I feel extremely sick. We'll see how it goes. Though it is great to hear that Once Upon a Book case "is very highly respected in the industry". Whoop!
It's going to be massive for my blog because of all the exposure. Not just because I'll be on the panel, but because my blog will be mentioned in the London Book Fair's literature and so on, and my blog will be heard - or read - about by so many people! This is exciting!
But I need some help. Being on a panel means talking. There will be at least three other people with me, so I won't do all the talking, but I will be required to speak, obviously. I want to make sure I have something to say.
Review: Love Story by Erich Segal
Love Story by Erich Segal - He is Oliver Barrett IV, a rich jock from a stuffy WASP family on his way to a Harvard degree and a career in law.She is Jenny Cavilleri, a wisecracking working-class beauty studying music at Radcliffe.
Opposites in nearly every way. But they fell in love.
This is their story. From Amazon UK
Monday 11 March 2013
Weekly Gossip
Here is your bookish new from the past week.
I'm going to start up with an acquisition this week, because it's HUGE! You know Liz de Jager? The awesome lady who was one of the three bloggers over at My Fvourite Books when it was still running? Well she's only gone and got herself a publisher - Tor!
Pan Macmillan’s Tor imprint is delighted to announce the acquisition at auction of an exciting young adult trilogy – by blogger-turned-author Liz de Jager. Senior Commissioning Editor Bella Pagan bought World Rights, excluding USA/Canada, via Juliet Mushens of the Agency group and the series starts with The Blackhart Legacy. The books are contemporary YA urban fantasies set in our world, but here fairytale legends exist. And only one family – the Blackharts – are able to see fae interlopers, never mind fight them. Part Artemis Fowl, part Brothers Grimm, this is a rollicking and original read from a fresh new voice in YA fiction. This will be perfect for fans of Cassandra Clare, Sarah Reese Brennan and Melissa Marr.
Continue reading Weekly Gossip
I'm going to start up with an acquisition this week, because it's HUGE! You know Liz de Jager? The awesome lady who was one of the three bloggers over at My Fvourite Books when it was still running? Well she's only gone and got herself a publisher - Tor!
Pan Macmillan’s Tor imprint is delighted to announce the acquisition at auction of an exciting young adult trilogy – by blogger-turned-author Liz de Jager. Senior Commissioning Editor Bella Pagan bought World Rights, excluding USA/Canada, via Juliet Mushens of the Agency group and the series starts with The Blackhart Legacy. The books are contemporary YA urban fantasies set in our world, but here fairytale legends exist. And only one family – the Blackharts – are able to see fae interlopers, never mind fight them. Part Artemis Fowl, part Brothers Grimm, this is a rollicking and original read from a fresh new voice in YA fiction. This will be perfect for fans of Cassandra Clare, Sarah Reese Brennan and Melissa Marr.
Sunday 10 March 2013
Saturday 9 March 2013
Review: Through the Ever Night by Veronica Rossi
Through the Ever Night by Veronica Rossi - WARNING! I cannot review this book without spoiling the others in the series. Read no further if you're planning on reading this series and don't want it spoilt for you.Aria has struggled to build a life for herself outside Reverie. It hasn't been easy adjusting to life in the wilderness but the struggle has been worth it with Perry by her side.
But Perry has other challenges. His people are looking to him for answers. Answers about what happened to his nephew and what's happening to their world. And they don't trust the privileged Aria, one of the enemy, in their midst.
Soon Perry'll be forced to chose between the tribe that looks to him for leadership and the girl that looks to him for love. From Amazon UK
Thursday 7 March 2013
Review: A Grief Observed by C.S. Lewis
A Grief Observed by C.S. Lewis - A Grief Observed comprises the reflections of the great scholar and Christian apologist on the death of his wife after only a few short years of marriage. Painfully honest in its dissection of his thoughts and feelings, this is a book that details his paralysing grief, bewilderment and sense of loss in simple and moving prose. From Amazon UKWednesday 6 March 2013
2013 YA Debut Novel Interview: The Holders by Julianna Scott
We all like supporting YA and New Adult debut authors, but this year, rather than just read their books, I'll be highlighting them on my blog too, so you can hear about these wonderful authors.
Today, as part of the blog tour, I'm interviewing YA author Julianna Scott whose debut YA novel, The Holders, is being published by Strange Chemistry in the UK on 7th March 2013. Read on for more:
The Holders by Julianna Scott - 17-year-old Becca has spent her whole life protecting her brother - from their father leaving and from the people who say the voices in his head are unnatural. When two strangers appear with apparent answers to Ryland's "problem" and details about a school in Ireland where Ryland will not only fit in, but prosper, Becca is up in arms. She reluctantly agrees to join Ryland on his journey and what they find at St. Brigid's is a world beyond their imagination. Little by little they piece together information about their family's heritage and the legend of the Holder race that decrees Ryland is the one they've been waiting for. But they are all, especially Becca, in for a surprise that will change what they thought they knew about themselves and their kind. from Amazon UK.
Continue reading 2013 YA Debut Novel Interview: The Holders by Julianna Scott
Today, as part of the blog tour, I'm interviewing YA author Julianna Scott whose debut YA novel, The Holders, is being published by Strange Chemistry in the UK on 7th March 2013. Read on for more:
The Holders by Julianna Scott - 17-year-old Becca has spent her whole life protecting her brother - from their father leaving and from the people who say the voices in his head are unnatural. When two strangers appear with apparent answers to Ryland's "problem" and details about a school in Ireland where Ryland will not only fit in, but prosper, Becca is up in arms. She reluctantly agrees to join Ryland on his journey and what they find at St. Brigid's is a world beyond their imagination. Little by little they piece together information about their family's heritage and the legend of the Holder race that decrees Ryland is the one they've been waiting for. But they are all, especially Becca, in for a surprise that will change what they thought they knew about themselves and their kind. from Amazon UK.Tuesday 5 March 2013
Review: One Seriously Messed-Up Weekend in the Otherwise Un-Messed-Up Life of Jack Samsonite by Tom Clempson
One Seriously Messed-Up Weekend in the Un-Messed-Up Life of Jack Samsonite by Tom Clempson (review copy) - WARNING! I cannot review this book without spoiling the others in the series. Read no further if you're planning on reading this series and don't want it spoilt for you.Jack Samsonite's Foolish Plan for Being Amazing at Everything
(including getting a life, getting into Film School, and getting into a girl's knickers)
1.Make an amazing(ly bad) short film about zombies . . . or maybe superheroes . . . or just three idiot friends. It has to be deep and meaningful and (most importantly) has to have a scene where I kiss a girl on the mouth.
2.Write the world's best university application ever! (Or at least one that doesn't make me seem like a nob).
3.Don't get expelled trying to complete 1 & 2.
It can't possibly fail . . . right? From Amazon UK
Monday 4 March 2013
Review: Requiem by Lauren Oliver
Requiem by Lauren Oliver - WARNING! I cannot review this book without spoiling the others in the series. Read no further if you're planning on reading this series and don't want it spoilt for you.It is the rule of the Wilds.
You must be bigger, and stronger, and tougher.
A coldness radiates through me, a solid wall that is growing, piece by piece, in my chest. He doesn't love me.
He never loved me.
It was all a lie.
'The old Lena is dead', I say, and then push past him. Each step is more difficult than the last; the heaviness fills me and turns my limbs to stone.
You must hurt, or be hurt.
Lena can build the walls, but what if there's no one left to take them down? The powerful, heartbreaking conclusion to one of the most eagerly awaited, talked-about series is here. From Amazon UK
Weekly Gossip
Here is your bookish news from the past few weeks while I've been away.
LOOKIE! The cover for The Fiery Heart by Richelle Mead has been released by Bookish!
Continue reading Weekly Gossip
LOOKIE! The cover for The Fiery Heart by Richelle Mead has been released by Bookish!
Sunday 3 March 2013
Saturday 2 March 2013
Aaaand I'm Back! (Plus Thank You)
I am now back from my hiatus, and from tomorrow, blogging will continue as normal.
It's sad that it has to take something so awful for this to happen, but I have found that losing someone has made me appreciate what I have so much more, in every aspect of my life. But this is a book blog, so that's what I'll be talking about here.
I like to read books. I like to write about them. That's pretty much it, it's just a hobby. I'd say I'd have a fairly good grasp of the English language, and all that comes with writing correctly, but I'm not brilliant at it. I'm not the most eloquent, nor do I have the best vocabulary (how many times do I say "awesome/amazing/brilliant/fantastic/beautiful"?). This doesn't matter though, because I do it because I enjoy it.
Yet I have a number of regular readers who come back to my blog again and again to read what I write. There are those who comment, and, if my blog stats are correct, those that lurk - hello, you :) I am so grateful to each and every one of you. Your enthusiasm and praise for my blog surprises me and fills me with awe each day, and your trust in my reviews is overwhelming if I think about it too much. I can't thank you enough.
Continue reading Aaaand I'm Back! (Plus Thank You)
It's sad that it has to take something so awful for this to happen, but I have found that losing someone has made me appreciate what I have so much more, in every aspect of my life. But this is a book blog, so that's what I'll be talking about here.
I like to read books. I like to write about them. That's pretty much it, it's just a hobby. I'd say I'd have a fairly good grasp of the English language, and all that comes with writing correctly, but I'm not brilliant at it. I'm not the most eloquent, nor do I have the best vocabulary (how many times do I say "awesome/amazing/brilliant/fantastic/beautiful"?). This doesn't matter though, because I do it because I enjoy it.
Yet I have a number of regular readers who come back to my blog again and again to read what I write. There are those who comment, and, if my blog stats are correct, those that lurk - hello, you :) I am so grateful to each and every one of you. Your enthusiasm and praise for my blog surprises me and fills me with awe each day, and your trust in my reviews is overwhelming if I think about it too much. I can't thank you enough.
Friday 1 March 2013
Cover Reveals: Night Creatures Series by Marianne de Pierres
Today, I'm delighted to be taking part in the revealing the covers for the Night Creatures series - Burn Bright, Angel Arias and Shine Light - by Marianne de Pierres! Look at all the pretty!
From Marianne herself:
As of the end of March the NIGHT CREATURES series will be available in paperback and e-book worldwide through Amazon (so far it only been available in Australia and New Zealand from the wonderful Random House Aus Teens).
We’ll be starting a countdown, doing give-aways, standing on our heads, doing back flips – you name it! We’ll have banners and badges for you to put on your sites, it’s going to be HUUUGGE!
Join us for all the fun, help us spread the word that NIGHT CREATURES IS COMING TO THE REST OF THE WORLD!
Continue reading Cover Reveals: Night Creatures Series by Marianne de Pierres
From Marianne herself:
As of the end of March the NIGHT CREATURES series will be available in paperback and e-book worldwide through Amazon (so far it only been available in Australia and New Zealand from the wonderful Random House Aus Teens).
We’ll be starting a countdown, doing give-aways, standing on our heads, doing back flips – you name it! We’ll have banners and badges for you to put on your sites, it’s going to be HUUUGGE!
Join us for all the fun, help us spread the word that NIGHT CREATURES IS COMING TO THE REST OF THE WORLD!
